The Plymouth Argyle Academy have added two more young players to their apprentice ranks after both Oliver Tomlinson and Harry Townsend accepted two-year apprenticeships which will start in the 2018-19 season.

Oliver Tomlinson is a central defender from Ivybridge who attends Ivybridge Community College. He started his local grassroots football with Ivybridge Town before moving to Marine Academy.

Ollie was recommended for an Academy trial, at under-13 level, through the Plymouth Centre of Excellence based at the University of St Mark & St John, where he was being coached by Lee Britchford and Jon Dawe.

Read More

Three weeks into his trial he was offered the opportunity to sign for the Academy. He has continued to develop his game and made his under-18 debut last season while still an under-15.

Oliver has also made one appearance this season, coming on as a late substitute in the Central League game at Forest Green Rovers. He has also had two appearances in the Youth Alliance League this season.

Oliver has represented Plymouth Schools at under-11, 14 and 15 age groups and was also an integral part of the Argyle squad that travelled to the Northern Ireland SuperCup last July.

Harry Townsend is a goalkeeper who attends Wadebridge Secondary School, he was recommended to the Academy by Wadebridge Town as an under-10.

Harry then progressed to the Bodmin Advanced Development Centre (now known as the Cornwall Centre of Excellence) under the guidance of Chris Souness.

This was followed quickly with a trial at the Academy where Rhys Wilmot, Academy Goalkeeping Coach, signed him up.

Harry has enhanced his goalkeeping techniques over the last five years of training on a regular basis with Rhys and he made his debut for the under-18s at Bristol Rovers whilst still only 15 last season.